(Sioux Falls, SD) – The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma announced this week an exclusive achievement for Sanford USD Medical Center, verifying it as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center – the first and only one in the region.

The verification as a Pediatric Trauma Center means access to an experienced and dedicated team of board certified pediatric surgeons, specially trained emergency physicians, a dedicated pediatric trauma flight team and rapid access to state-of-the-art operating rooms. Following treatment at Trauma 5, Sanford Children's Hospital is easily accessible for continuing care.

"This is a wonderful step forward for the care of the pediatric trauma patient in our region. To know that a pediatric specialist is involved in your child's care from the moment they arrive at Trauma 5 through their rehabilitation should be comforting," said Pediatric Trauma Director and Pediatric Surgeon Adela Casas-Melley, MD, FACS, FAAP. "Our board-certified pediatric trauma surgeons are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, each and every day of the year."

In addition to the new pediatric trauma verification, Sanford also received re-verification as a Level II Adult Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. Sanford has been verified as an adult trauma center for 16 years.

"No matter what the age of the patient who comes through our doors, we have the appropriate physicians, staff and equipment to treat all of them," said Gary Timmerman, MD, FACS, Sanford Health Trauma Medical Director. "The re-verification as a Level II Adult Trauma Center and the new distinction of Level II Pediatric Trauma Center is further proof that Sanford goes beyond providing superior care to the patient. We are delighted to provide this comprehensive level of trauma care to our region".

There are five separate categories of criteria that must be met to be a verified center. The verification by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma was requested by Sanford USD Medical Center. An on-site review of the Trauma Service was conducted by a team of reviewers experienced in the field of trauma. Each of the elements within the five criteria was met by Sanford for both pediatric and adult trauma care.

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to be an important advocate for all surgical patients.

About Sanford USD Medical Center and Trauma 5
A part of the Sanford Health & MeritCare system, Sanford USD Medical Center is the largest tertiary hospital in South Dakota. With more than 500 beds, the Sioux Falls, SD hospital serves as the primary teaching hospital for the Sanford School of Medicine of The University of South Dakota. Employing more than 4,700 staff, Sanford USD Medical Center is the largest employer in Sioux Falls.

Trauma 5 denotes five distinct differences from other ERs in the region. Specifically, they are Trauma, Heart, Orthopedics, Neuroscience and Children's. Trauma 5 provides complete emergency services for major and minor illness and injuries and is staffed by board certified, board eligible physicians, emergency room residency trained physicians and registered nurses who are dedicated to providing quality care for both adult and pediatric trauma patients.

About Sanford Children's Hospital
A part of the Sanford Health & MeritCare system, Sanford Children's Hospital provides the highest level of pediatric care in its region. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, the 146-bed Sanford Children's Hospital includes 76 general pediatric beds, as well as 58 neonatal intensive care beds and 12 pediatric intensive care beds, all in private family suites. With more than 200 pediatric and family medicine physicians and more than 350 pediatric-trained staff, Sanford Children's provides inpatient, outpatient and clinic services for pediatric patients and their families in a family-centered environment designed to meet the unique healing needs of children. A leader in children's healthcare for nearly a century, Sanford Children's will continue to revolutionize healthcare with this facility, as it will serve as a home base for several new pediatric clinics to be built around the world in the next ten years. For more information, visit www.sanfordchildrens.org.